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Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

Christian 84%
Evangelical Protestant 27%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 10%
Southern Baptist Convention 5%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 5%
Nondenominational evangelical 3%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 2%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church in America< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Assemblies of God 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Mainline Protestant 21%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
American Baptist Churches USA 2%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 6%
United Methodist Church 6%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 3%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Historically Black Protestant 4%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
National Baptist Convention< 1%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Church of God in Christ< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 28%
Mormon 2%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness< 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 4%
Jewish 2%
Muslim 1%
Buddhist< 1%
Hindu< 1%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths< 1%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition< 1%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age< 1%
Pagan or Wiccan< 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 12%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 12%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 4%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 7%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are ages…

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Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201428%36%23%12%4,161
200726%45%20%9%4,471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: age group by frequency of meditationage group by interpretation of scripture

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201419%16%29%28%7%< 1%4,161
2007< 1%20%35%33%10%2%4,471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: generational group by frequency of meditationgenerational group by interpretation of scripture

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%4,226
200747%53%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: gender by frequency of meditationgender by interpretation of scripture

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201476%8%3%10%3%4,192
200781%6%2%9%2%4,537
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: race/ethnicity by frequency of meditationrace/ethnicity by interpretation of scripture

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%10%81%4,184
20078%9%83%4,516
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: immigrant status by frequency of meditationimmigrant status by interpretation of scripture

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who have a household income of…

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Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201428%21%30%21%3,749
200722%21%37%21%3,909
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: household income by frequency of meditationhousehold income by interpretation of scripture

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who have completed…

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Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201441%34%17%9%4,209
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: educational group by frequency of meditationeducational group by interpretation of scripture

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201450%7%10%4%29%4,217
200758%7%10%4%22%4,543
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: marital status by frequency of meditationmarital status by interpretation of scripture

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201434%66%4,207
200742%58%4,545
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: parental status by frequency of meditationparental status by interpretation of scripture

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say they…

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Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201470%25%3%< 1%1%< 1%4,226
200778%19%2%< 1%1%1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in God by frequency of meditationbelief in God by interpretation of scripture

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say religion is…

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Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201450%40%8%2%< 1%4,226
200748%42%8%2%< 1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: importance of religion by frequency of meditationimportance of religion by interpretation of scripture

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who attend religious services…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%44%25%< 1%4,226
200733%45%22%< 1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: religious attendance by frequency of meditationreligious attendance by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who pray…

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Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201450%26%9%15%< 1%4,226
200750%27%9%14%1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of prayer by frequency of meditationfrequency of prayer by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who attend prayer group…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201414%10%10%66%< 1%4,226
200712%8%8%71%< 1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by frequency of meditationattendance at prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%20%15%18%1%4,226
200737%19%19%23%2%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by frequency of meditationfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%18%16%34%1%4,226
200724%16%18%40%2%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by frequency of meditationfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

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Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201431%8%54%6%2%4,226
200723%6%64%5%2%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of meditationsources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say…

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Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%65%1%< 1%4,226
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by frequency of meditationbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who read scripture…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201422%13%11%53%< 1%4,226
200720%12%10%57%< 1%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by frequency of meditationfrequency of reading scripture by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who …in heaven

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%6%4%4,226
200789%6%5%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in heaven by frequency of meditationbelief in heaven by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who …in hell

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201472%22%6%4,226
200770%22%8%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in hell by frequency of meditationbelief in hell by interpretation of scripture

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who identify as…

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Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201448%16%36%4,226
200744%14%42%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: political party by frequency of meditationpolitical party by interpretation of scripture

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201439%39%17%5%4,226
200737%42%16%5%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: political ideology by frequency of meditationpolitical ideology by interpretation of scripture

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who would rather have…

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Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%37%1%2%4,226
200745%48%3%4%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about size of government by frequency of meditationviews about size of government by interpretation of scripture

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say government aid to the poor…

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Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201453%43%2%1%4,226
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by frequency of meditationviews about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say abortion should be…

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Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201450%47%2%4,226
200755%41%4%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about abortion by frequency of meditationviews about abortion by interpretation of scripture

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say homosexuality…

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Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201467%27%4%2%4,226
200757%35%5%4%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about homosexuality by frequency of meditationviews about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who …same-sex marriage

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Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201458%36%6%4,226
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by frequency of meditationviews about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say…

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Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201442%55%2%1%4,226
200731%64%2%3%4,560
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about environmental protection by frequency of meditationviews about environmental protection by interpretation of scripture

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate seldom/never who say humans…

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Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201423%37%3%34%3%4,226
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about human evolution by frequency of meditationviews about human evolution by interpretation of scripture

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